Climate change is a worldwide issue which affects everyone globally but not equally. The marginalized groups are more severely affected. 1 in 7 people on the planet are disabled, and 80% of people with disabilities live in potentially highly climate-vulnerable countries (UNHCR). For example, one oft-cited estimate suggests 200 million people will be climate refugees by 2050. According to the World Health Organization, 15% of the global population has an intellectual or physical disability, so 30 million of those climate refugees will require different kinds of support. However, there is not much work or study done to determine and accommodate these various needs.
People with disabilities have various needs which are not properly addressed in climate plans. For example when Hurricane Katrina hit the US in 2005, many people who use wheelchairs were stranded as there was no plan for their evacuation and they were unable to use unadapt vehicles. This may be due to the lack of representation as an abled person which is the majority in plans and policy making bodies may not necessarily know the various needs that come with having a disability. The wide range of disabilities is also a challenge as different disabilities warrant different needs. Another factor is a lack of study and awareness as well. There has not been much study relating to the various special needs of the people with disabilities relating to the plans adapting to impacts of the climate crisis. This issue may also be linked with the lack of representation as mentioned earlier. Thus, a proper study and representation along with awareness is required especially in the decision making bodies in order to cater to the people with special needs so that the impacts of climate change can be reduced among people with disabilities as they are among the most affected by it.
People with disabilities are among the most affected by the impacts of climate change due to their disabilities as well as the various social and economic disadvantages that come with it. They tend to be poorer as well as more isolated in the society and thus are most affected by the negative impacts of climate change. The impacts of climate change may affect the quality of life of people as there are various issues such as decreasing food security, decreasing access to clean water and sanitation, extreme weather events, increasing displacement and increasing conflicts associated with climate change. Such issues obviously impact the minorities such as people with disabilities to a heightened degree. Thus, it is vital to raise awareness on how climate change and disability are linked and to conduct more studies as well as provide accommodations to people with special needs in order to create an equitable and just climate action plan. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the context of climate change, we can ensure that climate policies and initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all. This approach will not only empower those with disabilities to actively participate in climate solutions but also foster a more resilient and sustainable future for everyone.